Hi all,
I can't pull the trigger on making the decision between buying a gen Seiko SARB033 or the Rolex Explorer 1 (214270) from BP. Both watches are great IMO. Looking at the style of both watches, they score identical to me. The date window on the SARB is a nice add-on but the clean symmetrical and slightly sporty look of the 214270 is also looking very nice. Branding wise, I don’t have a preference since I can tell from experience (of owning a rep. submariner) that the Rolex brand is receiving as much love, as hate in my environment. Pricing is within the same range for both. Looking at the movements, I would say that the accuracy of the 6R15 and A2824 movement are within the same range.
After reading many reviews, I conclude that the con of the SARB033 is the bracelet. The factory bracelet is alright, but not as great as the 214270. There's an ugly gap around the clasp and limited adjustments on the bracelet. But this can be resolved by buying another type of bracelet. The advantage is of course the fact that it is a gen watch, reliable and easy to service.
The rep 214270 from BP on the other hand, is a great rep as far as I have seen. The oyster bracelet is definitely an advantage in terms of comfort and adjust ability. However it is and remains a rep, with a questionable long term reliability.
How do I make the call? Has someone seen both watches or can provide me some guidance?
I can't pull the trigger on making the decision between buying a gen Seiko SARB033 or the Rolex Explorer 1 (214270) from BP. Both watches are great IMO. Looking at the style of both watches, they score identical to me. The date window on the SARB is a nice add-on but the clean symmetrical and slightly sporty look of the 214270 is also looking very nice. Branding wise, I don’t have a preference since I can tell from experience (of owning a rep. submariner) that the Rolex brand is receiving as much love, as hate in my environment. Pricing is within the same range for both. Looking at the movements, I would say that the accuracy of the 6R15 and A2824 movement are within the same range.
After reading many reviews, I conclude that the con of the SARB033 is the bracelet. The factory bracelet is alright, but not as great as the 214270. There's an ugly gap around the clasp and limited adjustments on the bracelet. But this can be resolved by buying another type of bracelet. The advantage is of course the fact that it is a gen watch, reliable and easy to service.
The rep 214270 from BP on the other hand, is a great rep as far as I have seen. The oyster bracelet is definitely an advantage in terms of comfort and adjust ability. However it is and remains a rep, with a questionable long term reliability.
How do I make the call? Has someone seen both watches or can provide me some guidance?